This study assessed the influence of downhill mountain biking on acute measures of executive function. Twenty-three participants took part in the study and were assigned to either, FIELD (N=7, mean age 27 ± 9 yrs), LAB (N=8, mean age 36 ± 9 yrs) or CONTROL (N=8, mean age 41 ± 9 yrs) groups. Participants performed the Stroop colour-word test via a tablet pc app (EncephalApp). Additionally, the Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B) were completed. Significant main effects were found for OffTime (F2,12 = 13.04; p = .001; ηp2 = .69), OnTime (F2,12 = 4.31; p = .04; ηp2 = .42) and OnTrials (F2,12 = 10.74; p = .002; ηp2 = .64), with the results showing a decrement in Stroop test performance following Trial1 and Trial4 compared to BL for the FIELD group. A significant main effect was found for TMT-A (F2,12 = 7.50; p = .008; ηp2 = .56), with performance improving following Trial4 compared to BL for the FIELD group. LAB and CONTROL groups significantly improved on the TMT-B from BL to Trial1 and Trial4 (F2,14 = 4.31; p = .04; ηp2 = .38 and F2,14 = 13.70; p = .001; ηp2 = .66, respectively). Results suggest participation in downhill mountain biking in this cohort significantly impaired executive function when compared to repeated sprint activity within a laboratory. This is indicative of repeated head accelerations caused by riding over rough terrain.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether postactivation potentiation (PAP) would have any effect on high intensity cycle ergometer performance. Two different squatting exercises of different loads were presented in a random fashion prior to ergometric exercise. Seven male rugby players volunteered to participate in the study. There were no significant differences observed between peak power output (PPO) measurements for all three testing conditions (P > 0.05). There were also no differences recorded between mean power outputs (MPOs) and end power outputs (EPOs) (P > 0.05). The decrease in power output (FI %) also was found to be nonsignificant for all conditions (P > 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that performance of repeated heavy squats prior to a 30-second maximal cycle ergometer exercise did not improve the power profiles recorded and did not induce PAP at the time of testing.